A big, strong and experienced leader whose work ethic takes after his brother Victor, a junior at Colgate. He is looking to lead the Buckhorns back to the playoffs.

“My brother is a crazy dude. There is always a fire under him. We were lifting partners when he was a senior and I kind of took his approach and tried to pass that on to my teammates. I am pumped up about the season. Our guys are working and putting in 110 percent into every practice and every snap,” Steffen said.

Scouting report

After attempting only one pass as a sophomore, Steffen took over and showed poise in his first season as the starter in 2013. Tall at 6-foot-4 and 205 pounds, he has the size and strength to be a top quarterback in the division. He has a powerful arm and threw for more than 800 yards last season.

“We know what his brother Victor Steffen brought and John does that too. He has that same work ethic and that dedication in the weight room and kids gravitate to him. He has been that leader. He has a cannon. It’s an unbelievable arm. He does need to learn when to throw it hard and throw with some touch. If he figures it out, he’s going to be special.”

— Mark WatsonWallenpaupack

BACKS

Wallenpaupack graduated two very productive backs in Jovon Marshall and Ricky Smith. Rashawn Battle and Todd Frick are expected to step in and fill the vacancies. Battle is a good size running back with good speed.

RECEIVERS

With Steffen back, the Buckhorns could be relying on a solid passing game to move the sticks. Brad Bieski and Ryan Worzel both return after combining for 37 receptions and 504 yards. Tight end TJ Root hauled in 10 passes for 158 yards.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Up front the Buckhorns were strong last season with size and veteran players. This year, they return a couple of worthy starters who will be counted on to bring the newcomers up to speed. Marc Peterson at 6-3, 270 pounds, is one of the unsung players in the division. Billy Rotella is a returning starter at guard.

DEFENSIVE LINE

.

LINEBACKERS

This will be the heart of the Wallenpaupack defense. Jerome Haupt is considered one of the top defensive players in District 2. He had 15 tackles for loss last season. James Gentes contributed 28 tackles and Battle is an underclassmen who could make a big impact this season after collecting 26 tackles as a sophomore.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Nick McConnell is the only player back with an starting experience. He had 18 tackles and two passes defended last season. Isaiah Rios, who should also help as a receiver, is expected to contribute in the secondary after seeing plenty of action as a sophomore. He had 35 tackles last season.

KICKING

Matt Vosburg returns after hitting 18 extra points and four field goals, including one of 40 yards. Steffen is an outstanding punter, averaging 34 yards a kick last season.

Head coach: Mark Watson

(9th season, 38-44)

Division: LFC I

Last season: 4-6 overall; 3-4 in LFC I

Male enrollment: 476, Class AAA

Home field: Wallenpaupack Stadium

TEAM TITLES

LFC II: 1999

Suburban: 1993, 1996, 1997

SCHEDULE

Aug. 29 at Honesdale

Sept. 5 Dallas

Sept. 12 at Scranton

Sept. 19 Valley View

Sept. 26 Abington Heights

Oct. 3 Scranton Prep

Oct. 10 West Scranton

Oct. 17 at North Pocono

Oct. 24 at Wyoming Area

Oct. 31 Delaware Valley

2013 RESULTS

Valley View W, 35-0

Honesdale W, 28-26

Allentown Dieruff L, 34-21

Crestwood L, 27-19

Abington Heights L, 37-0

Scranton Prep L, 48-0

West Scranton W, 20-7

North Pocono W, 43-19

Scranton L, 41-0

Delaware Valley L, 41-14

RETURNING LEADERS

RUSHING Att Yds Avg. TD

John Steffen 38 38 1.0 2

PASSING C-A-I Yds TD Rate

John Steffen 73-131-4 839 2 108.5

RECEIVING Rec Yds Avg. TD

Ryan Worzel 20 297 14.9 0

SCORING TD 2Pt XP FG Pts.

John Steffen 2 0 0 0 12

TACKLES Solo Assists Total

Jerome Haupt 42 42 84

Isaiah Rios 26 9 35

James Gentes 14 14 28

2013 TEAM STATS

Run Pass Total Avg.

Offense 1836 875 2711 271.1

Run Pass Total Avg.

Defense 1503 1101 2604 260.4

— JOBY FAWCETT

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